The Minnesota Vikings lost one of their most important playmakers during the 30-24 loss to the rival Detroit Lions in Week 16, as tight end TJ Hockenson suffered a neck injury. LCA and MCL at the end of the season. On Monday, Hockenson underwent surgery in Los Angeles to correct the problem. by ESPN. It’s unclear how long Hockenson will miss, or if he’ll be back in time for the start of the 2024 campaign.
In the third quarter against Detroit, Hockenson took a hard hit to the right leg from defensive back Kerby Joseph, knocking the tight end out of the game. Before his release, Hockenson caught four passes for 58 yards.
“Knowing TJ, what type of player he is, I’m really looking forward to getting him back together and ready to have a great 2024 season,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said.
Hockenson had a career campaign in his first full season with the Vikings. In 15 games played, he caught 95 passes for 960 yards and five touchdowns. His 95 receptions ranked second among all tight ends at the time behind Evan Engram, and his 960 receiving yards third behind George Kittle and Travis Kelce. Hockenson set the Vikings’ single-season record for receptions by a tight end, and was on pace to break the Vikings’ single-season record for receiving yards by a tight end.
Hockenson was selected by the Lions with the 8th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Iowa. At the trade deadline last year, he was sent to the rival Vikings. Since entering the league, Hockenson ranks fifth in receiving yards among tight ends (3,547).
